9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Session One
Memoir Writing: Turning Your Life into Art – What is non-fiction? From memoir characteristics to mining for memories, from story structure to the hero’s journey. An overview of classic story telling and how it becomes the road map to tell personal, non-fiction memoir stories of conflict and resolution. Examples and writing prompts included. Presented by R.J. Fox. LECTURE/WORKSHOP
Acing your Agent Appointments – Nerves overcome writers/authors when they are first sitting down for that appointment. This class will have you sitting across the table from an agent with confidence, prepared, and open ears. Presented by Bethany Morehead. WORKSHOP
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Session Two
Short Stories, Short & Sweet – Prize-winning Lev Raphael, author of two short story collections among his twenty-five books, will discuss and analyze four essential ingredients of a strong short story and explain how authors can best prepare themselves for writing in this genre. Presented by Lev Raphael – LECTURE
Crafting a Submission Email that Sparkles – We often are found sitting at the computer and drawing a blank on how to craft an email that will not simply be ignored by an agent, editor, and publisher. This course takes you through crafting an email that will sparkle with content that is needed to be seen and how to get your work noticed. Presented by Bethany Morehead. WORKSHOP
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Afternoon Keynote Speaker
“Writing Without Borders” Presented by Lev Raphael
1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Session Three
Powerful First Paragraphs – Propel your book/chapter forward with a powerful first paragraph. Every book/chapter needs a powerful first paragraph to spring the story forward and compel the reader to invest his or her time on reading further. A good opening paragraph drives a story onward, it sets the tone and mood for what follows, and draws the reader in deeper. Presented by Cyle Young. LECTURE
Writing the Short Poem – What can be said in only two to fourteen lines? Anything! In this session, attendees will explore a wide variety of powerful, short poems, and also do some writing exercises. Participants will leave this workshop with poetry handouts, a few first drafts, and a list of literary magazines that welcome short poetry and prose submissions. Add new insights, techniques, and strategies to your writer’s toolbox. Presented by Christine Rhein. WORKSHOP
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Session Four
Winning at Winning Contests: From Contest to Contract – Winning the way to a publishing contract and/or agency contract by embracing contests can help writer to initiate their career. Create publicity and market awareness by winning contests. Learn why you need to separate your writing passion from your contest entries, and harness your contests entries to work for you. Presented by Cyle Young. LECTURE
Marketing (In Short) the Author Platform – Learn how to build and grow your author platform for marketing purposes – before, during and post publication – through various social media channels. Learn how to take action and get to the point in marketing your message and getting your books out to larger audiences. Presented by Maria Dismondy. WORKSHOP
Please Note: All events take place in the Oakland Center of Oakland University (2200 N Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI 48309). Use parking lot 2 (P2) and walk south (opposite the pond) for the shortest distance into the Oakland Center. In addition, use parking lot 1 off Squirrel Road (P1) and walk east toward the building. The Oakland Center is positioned between the lots and the Clock Tower. Look for Bright Yellow Signs. The Oakland Center is #13 on the printable version Campus Map.
Rochester Writers reserves the right to add, subtract, or substitute any of the presentations and speakers.
Rochester Writers 